Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $111,457 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Cedar Rapids, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $111,457/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Cedar Rapids's price premium (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $125,285 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, IA, the opportunity for experienced ultrasound technologists to achieve top-tier salaries is significant, especially within the senior level. With a projected 2026 median annual salary of $90,743, professionals with substantial experience can aim for earnings that reach as high as $111,457, representing the 90th percentile. This gap illustrates a clear experience premium, as those engaged in advanced practices or who hold leadership roles can secure nearly 23% more than the median. To reach such compensation levels in Cedar Rapids, ultrasound technologists typically need to bolster their skills through continuing education, specialization in areas like vascular ultrasound or echocardiography, and potential transition into supervisory roles, all of which contribute to their higher market value.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Cedar Rapids earn between $104,710 and $111,457 per year (2026 est.). This $28,289 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cedar Rapids median of $90,743 sits 10.47% below the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Cedar Rapids | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $90,743 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,710 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $111,457 | $135,748 |
In Cedar Rapids, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 22.83% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Cedar Rapids
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $90,743 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cedar Rapids employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Cedar Rapids command premium compensation, often reaching the $104,710–$111,457 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cedar Rapids metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ultrasound technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ultrasound technologists in Cedar Rapids with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Ultrasound Technologists in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Ultrasound Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Cedar Rapids
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCedar Rapids ranks #5 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $111,457).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Cedar Rapids ($111,457) is 2.87% above the Iowa average P90 ($108,351).
2019 BLS Actual
$96,320
2025 BLS Actual
$106,220
2026 Current Est.
$111,457
2019–2027 Growth
+21.4%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,540 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,457 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,951 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids saw their compensation grow 10.3% from $96,320 in 2019 to $106,220 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.93% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $116,951 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Ultrasound Technologist Earnings in Cedar Rapids
Compensation for senior ultrasound technologists in Cedar Rapids varies based on several factors, including employer type and specialization. While larger healthcare organizations may offer salaries closer to the upper range, roles in private practices or community health centers can attract different compensation dynamics. Professionals focusing on specialized areas within ultrasound technology may command premium pay, further enhancing their earning potential. Advancement to positions such as clinical coordinators or department directors often requires additional certifications and demonstrated leadership, which are highly regarded in IA. Moreover, pursuing advanced credentials beyond standard licensure can enhance both salary and career trajectory, as employers may provide additional benefits like shift differentials and robust benefits packages. Understanding these elements is crucial for ultrasound technologists looking to maximize their salary potential in Cedar Rapids.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Cedar Rapids?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Cedar Rapids?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Cedar Rapids?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Cedar Rapids?
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Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $106,220 for ultrasound technologists in the Cedar Rapids metro area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov